Better than separates?
Written: May 09 '00 (Updated Aug 14 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Big POWER, smoooth, simple (for an A/V receiver)
Cons: Gold face only in Japan
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| john_clark71's Full Review: Onkyo TX-DS777 |
Home theater has been my main hobby for almost five years now. I read everything I can find on the subject. Until being stationed in Japan a year and a half ago, I would hang around all the electronics stores, especially where friends (and I part-time) worked. My home theater used to contain a separate Dolby Pro-Logic preamplifier, five channel amplifier, and Dolby Digital processor. Forgive me for not mentioning brands or models. It would be inappropriate to form a bad opinion of these products in light of the fact that they may not have been entirely compatible with each other. My best friend has a system based on all Rotel separates that is simply incredible.
When upgrading my system, I had the following goals in mind: simplify my home theater, both in setup and in use, add s-video switching, and add DTS and THX. The least expensive preamp/processor I know of providing all this costs $1,800 MSRP. This harsh reality left me looking at receivers. More specifically, the new THX Select receivers.
While casually looking around an electronics store here in Japan, I noticed a "THX" sign over a display containing Onkyo electronics and speakers. Behold! A Japanese model TX-DS777 (in Gold!) pumping sound through Onkyo's own THX Select speakers! Half expecting to be unimpressed, I put in the "Matrix" and went to the part were thousands of rounds are unloaded into the side of a skyscraper. I kept turning up the volume to see if the amplifier would buckle under pressure. I doubt anyone in the store could hear anything but that awful racket! This amplifier can supply more power than good judgement should allow. After seeing the expression on my friend's face, I knew it was time to back off. Home theater is not popular here out of consideration for neighbors.
After web surfing, a few e-mails, and careful thought, I bought a TX-DS777. After getting it home I found it was flexible enough to easily perform everything necessary in even my complex A/V cabinet. It was so easy to use, I had the unit completely dialed in and ready for action in under 30 minutes without being able to read the Japanese owner's manual! It even did more than I had hoped for. I did not, however, expect a dramatic improvement in dynamics and overall neutrality. In fact, my expectations were greatly exceeded by this $1,000 receiver. My last amplifier cost that alone! Many people, myself included, would have scoffed at these claims only a couple of years ago. Some still will. While I'm all for researching, reading alone cannot replace experience in these matters. I do believe electronics do sound different, not because I read that they do, I've experienced it time and time again.
The only thing that the receiver could not provide in my system was sufficient remote control flexibility. Like I said, my system is complex. The fact that I've owned the Marantz RC-2000 Mk.II for a while should explain that one. The Onkyo remote is good for a $1,000 receiver and better than most. I am glad Onkyo made the TX-DS777. It does what it does better than it has to at this price. Onkyo has definitely been holding back for a long time.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
john_clark71
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Reviews written: 1
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